ALL HYPE AND MATERIALISM

( I just wish to share my blog on an online article of Phil. Daily Inquirer regarding an online petition to recall Pampanga Governor Among Ed Panlilio).

I am honored to have met Gov. Among Ed Panlilio last June 2008, also meeting his controversial lieutenant, Provincial Administrator Vivian Dabu. I even teased the latter that she has become rather prominent because of the controversies at the Pampanga capitol. And because I used to work for a good governor too, who was almost similar to Panlilio in terms of religiosity, except that he is not a priest but a celibate Opus Dei, I only had encouraging words for Dabu - that you really cannot satisfy many in politics, especially if you are doing what is right.

Well Atty. Dabu may not be such a good public administrator, but that job really calls for utmost trust and confidence from her boss, the governor. Her job is among those considered by law as co-terminus with the appointing authority and thus, requires only trust and confidence from the latter. So making her the center of all issues for a recall of the incumbent is really mind-boggling. Besides, Panlilio hardly has been in office for a year and a half, and to judge him so unfairly in his performance, is really something I cannot understand from those Kapampangans calling for his recall or resignation.

My wife happens to be a Kapampangan and we lived in Mabalacat for more than 5 years. Hence, my keen interest in the issue. I also know for a fact how disappointed some favor seekers when they went to the capitol after Panlilio assumed office, and went back home empty handed. Why? They were used to the old system that when they visit the capitol, they would have at least something to bring home, either cash or some goodies.

I would assume that since Panlilio won on a platform of reform and good governance, he would not follow the footsteps of his predecessors in practicing patronage politics, hence the change is really felt, especially by many who have materialistic intentions.

For the fault-finders at the capitol, Panlilio is an easy target, but people should really think hard and analyze the intentions of those people trying to bring down a neophyte executive who must have done more good to Pampanga than harm. He has brought Pampanga to the national psyche because of his crusade against corruption and illegal gambling, and in showing us that good still triumphs over evil, if only a few good men will take lead.

If any harm has been done, it must really be in threatening the business of illegal gambling and its lords, and putting in peril the future of its beneficiary-politicians.

But like Panlilio and the many who believe in his crusade, I have faith that good will triumph over evil, but not without a price - which is the vigilance of the people of Pampanga against those who seek to take advantage of the materialism of many people. I hope that you will not live up to the joke that you people out there are “mukang pera” and show us that the great province of Pampanga can lead this country in a moral crusade for good governance.